Want to win more instructions? The good news is, you don’t need a complete strategy shake-up. It’s often the small, consistent actions that help you stand out and get more business.
Here are five simple changes you can try today.
1. Talk to vendors and listen closely
One of the best habits you can build is simply speaking to people who are selling their homes. Ask your friends, family, and contacts about why they chose their agent. Their answers often uncover hidden truths that most agents never hear.
Vendors may choose to work with the agent who sells them the home they want to buy, and that’s the whole reason. No fee comparison, no long decision-making process. Just familiarity and timing.
2. Stay in touch after the sale
A common reason agents miss out on future instructions is a lack of follow-up after a sale. Many buyers never hear from their agent again; no messages, no check-ins, not even a friendly hello.
When it comes time to sell, they often choose someone else simply because that agent stayed in touch or was top of mind.
Make it a habit to check in with past clients now and then. A quick email, a birthday message or a simple market update keeps the relationship warm and opens the door for future opportunities.
3. Knock on doors and build local rapport
Another missed opportunity? Neighbouring homes. When you list a property, do you take a moment to knock on one or two doors on either side? Or maybe a couple more?
Introduce yourself. Let them know you’re handling the sale next door and you’re happy to answer any questions. This small effort builds local relationships and opens doors, sometimes literally, to new listings nearby.
It’s a micro change with huge potential. Most agents skip it, but it makes you more visible and more trusted in the street.
4. Don’t undervalue your service
Many agents assume sellers are always chasing the lowest fee, but that’s not always the case. In reality, most vendors don’t compare commission rates in detail. Decisions are often based on who they trust or who feels right for the job.
Even if a vendor chooses an agent offering a lower fee, it’s worth asking whether they would have paid more. Often, the answer is yes, because it’s not just about price. It’s about timing, trust or convenience.
So don’t automatically discount your value. Be confident in your service and explain the benefits clearly. Vendors are more likely to choose the agent who makes them feel supported, even if the fee is higher.
5. Always ask for the business
This is one of the most important steps, and one that’s frequently overlooked. If you want more instructions, it’s essential to just ask.
Don’t rely on being visible and hope vendors will come to you. Make it clear that you’re ready and available to help with their sale. A simple statement like, “I’d love to help you with your sale if the time is right,” can make all the difference.
Sometimes, the only reason one agent wins the instruction over another is because they asked.
Small steps, big results
If you want more instructions, don’t focus only on big, complicated strategies. Look at the small things you can start doing today:
- Reconnect with past buyers
- Knock on neighbours’ doors when you list
- Back yourself on value, not just price
- Ask for the instruction
These micro changes take minutes, not hours. But over time, they build trust, visibility, and relationships, and that’s how you win more business.
Keep it simple. Stay consistent. And remember, it’s the little things that often make the biggest difference.
Want to unlock more value from every instruction?
Let’s show you how Rex helps top agents turn micro-moves into major gains. Get in touch.
